WASHINGTON, DC and SEATTLE, WA – (June 27, 2011) – Today the Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association (WBBA) and the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced that Christopher E. Rivera, president of the WBBA, has been appointed as Chairman of the Council of State Bioscience Associations (CSBA), an autonomous council operating within BIO.

As Chairman of the CSBA, Chris Rivera will represent the interests of 48 CSBA non-profit life sciences trade organizations across the country. Rivera replaces outgoing Chairman Kelly Gilliespie, president of Missouri Biotechnology Association.

"BIO works closely with CSBA member organizations to improve understanding of the bioscience industry and advocate for policies that help promote industry development throughout the United States," said Peter Pellerito, Interim Vice President of State Government Relations and Alliance Development at BIO. "This network continues to play the instrumental role of working with state legislatures in addressing the need for continued investment in the growth of the high-paying, jobs-producing industry."

“This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to our growing life sciences ecosystem locally, nationally and globally,” stated Rivera. “The CSBA leadership has done a tremendous job representing life sciences organizations nation-wide to further their business and advocacy strategies, gain access to capital and establish early momentum in their quest to bring their innovations to market. I look forward to working with the CSBA to fulfill its mission.”

Chris Rivera joined WBBA as President in January, 2009. Before joining WBBA, Mr. Rivera was the founder and CEO of Hyperion Therapeutics, a specialty biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapies for gastroenterology and hepatology diseases. Prior to starting Hyperion, he was Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations at Tercica, Inc., where he was responsible for developing and overseeing Tercica’s global commercialization strategies and was intimately involved in the development of an international cross-licensing collaboration with Ipsen. As Senior Vice President of Genzyme Therapeutics, Mr. Rivera was largely responsible for building the company’s U.S. renal division and assisted in the launch of Renagel® (sevelamer hydrochloride) globally. Earlier in his career, he helped build the initial commercial organizations at Centocor and Cephalon.

Mr. Rivera holds a master of science degree in audiology from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; a bachelor of science degree in business from Northwestern Oklahoma State University; and studied marketing and management at the Albers Graduate School of Business and Economics at Seattle University.

About CSBA

The CSBA is a confederation of 48 state-based, non-profit trade organizations, each governed by its own board of directors. The mission of the CSBA is to promote public understanding, and to advocate for public policies that support the responsible development of the bioscience industry. These groups are recognized by BIO as affiliate organizations in their respective states.

About the WBBA

The Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association (WBBA), formed in 1990, is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(6) trade association serving the life sciences industry in the state of Washington. Our members include organizations engaged in, or supportive of, research, development and commercialization of life science technologies. Our mission is to support our members in the translation of innovation to realization, from breakthrough discoveries to better health solutions. Members enjoy access to many great events throughout the year, purchasing discounts, governmental advocacy, timely industry news, as well as the opportunity to tap into the heart of the life sciences community in Washington. For more information, visit WBBA online at www.washbio.org or call 206-732-6700.

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.